The Google Skilled Cloud Architect Journey Begins: raindog308’s Quest for the Title

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Beginning later this week, I’m starting my journey in direction of the Google Skilled Cloud Architect certification.Whereas I’m definitely no stranger to the thought of operating digital machines within the cloud, that is extra about skilled life than hobbyist enjoyable. I did write an article practically 10 years in the past for the sadly defunct Linux Journal about operating Linux VMs on Azure, however that was simply as a random personal consumer. That is about day job.Certifications in GeneralI’m not a fan of certs as a result of they’re so ridiculously straightforward to cheat. Years in the past I received my Oracle Licensed Skilled (a DBA cert) and some time later interviewed a candidate who may barely spell DBA however was licensed. It’s attainable he had an imposter take the take a look at, however it’s additionally attainable he simply googled some dumps. After I did the latter, I discovered the precise questions and solutions I’d been requested. As an alternative of all that learning and flashcards, I may merely have memorized the solutions.There are exceptions. The RedHat Licensed Engineer (RHCE), Cisco Licensed Web Engineer (CCIE), and Oracle Licensed Grasp (OCM) all require you to go to a middle and exhibit your abilities reside. You’re given damaged programs (or programs needing one thing applied or modified), a login, hopefully man pages, and a timer. Then you definately show your self otherwise you don’t cross. This has lots of validity and people certs are broadly revered.Does Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, and so forth. know that persons are dishonest on certs? How may they not? However the entire training/certification surroundings is a money cow for these firms. For instance, to earn any Oracle cert, you must take an Oracle course. Even when you’ve got been within the biz for 20 years and know the software program inside out, you continue to should pay the $3,000 Oracle tax earlier than you possibly can sit for the examination.Make no mistake: a cert is a pleasant gold star in your resume, however given the selection betweenAn engineer with 10 years expertise however no cert, orAn engineer with no expertise however a certification…#1 goes to win each time.Why Get a Cert? Why This Cert?I’ve really helpful individuals pursue cert research even when they don’t each to get the precise title as a result of these packages are wonderful checklists for “all the things it’s best to know”. For instance, if it is advisable find out about Home windows Server, getting an MCSA in Home windows Server will expose you to all the main capabilities of the OS, so you possibly can makes use of these certifications as syllabi for self-improvement. In my case I wish to be taught concerning the Google cloud broadly, with an purpose to matching up my employer’s wants and tasks to the capabilities.Whereas studying AWS or Azure are additionally choices, on this case I get a little bit of a headstart with Google because of some coaching relationships. My expertise in different fields is that studying any main IT area is like studying a language. In the event you be taught PostgreSQL, while you go to check MySQL, you’re leveraging 50%+ of your current information.Google PCAThe course of research is 7 programs:Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core InfrastructureEssential Google Cloud Infrastructure: FoundationEssential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Core ServicesEssential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Scaling and AutomationReliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and ProcessArchitecting the Google Kubernetes Engine: FoundationsPreparing for Your Skilled Cloud Architect JourneyEach is about 8 hours of instruction plus labs, so round 60 hours general.This sounds a bit gentle for somebody who’s going to be given the lofty title “Architect”. In my case, I’ve been doing IT infrastructure (server/database) for 25 years, so that is extra “icing on the cake” than a foundational course of research.I’m utilizing Coursera, which costs $49/month for entry to this system. I’m planning to make use of the Christmas break as a research marathon and knock these programs out, after which hopefully sit for the examination in January.I’ll be retaining you all knowledgeable with my ideas concerning the course and the cloud (at the very least Google’s imaginative and prescient of it) throughout this journey! Dread Lord of LowEnd Content material at LowEndBoxI’m Andrew, techno polymath and long-time LowEndTalk neighborhood Administrator. My technical pursuits embrace all issues Unix, perl, python, golang, shell scripting, classic working programs comparable to MVS, and relational database programs comparable to Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.I additionally take pleasure in utilizing LEBs! I’ve an empire of little guys for VPNs, bigger guys for apps, and massive guys for databases and storage. After I’m not in entrance a display screen I am into German Shepherd canines, high quality knives, goal capturing, theology, tabletop roleplaying video games, and forest mountain climbing.I take pleasure in writing technical articles right here on LowEndBox to assist individuals get extra out of their programs. You’ll find me on LowEndTalk @raindog308Latest posts by raindog308 (see all)